After more than three decades on the sidelines, Coach Luis Comesana’s name is etched into the history of Bay Area high school soccer. A veteran of 33 years at Homestead High School, Comesana guided his teams to seven league championships and consistent appearances in the CCS playoffs—setting a gold standard of competitive excellence, discipline, and passion.
Now coaching JV tennis at Lynbrook High School, Coach Comesana’s love for coaching has never wavered. His heart remains tied to the game of fútbol, the sport he first fell in love with as a child in Peru under the guidance of his grandfather. That early connection inspired a lifetime of dedication, first as a standout player and later as a transformative coach.
During his playing days, Comesana earned All-League, All-State, and Honorable Mention All-American honors at De Anza College before transferring to San Jose State, where he played two more years and earned a degree in Marketing. He went on to win prestigious coaching honors including Mercury News Coach of the Year (2002), Palo Alto Times Coach of the Year (2003), and CCS Coach of the Year (1996–97).
But for Comesana, the real accolades are the lives he’s touched.
“To me, practice is too short and games aren’t frequent enough,” he says. “I coach because it gives me the opportunity to lead and mentor student-athletes who can benefit from guidance and belief. I teach respect and sportsmanship above all, and I want my players to enjoy the game.”
As a mentor, he believes in going the extra mile—staying late, working one-on-one, or simply listening. His advice to this year’s GSF All-Star players: “Always give 100% and never feel like you don’t belong. Hard work and dedication can take you far—it’s a combination I’ve seen lead so many to success in high school and college.”
One of his proudest moments as a father and coach was watching his daughter, Katarina Comesana, represent Peru in the South American qualifiers and the Pan American Games—a testament to the values he instilled both at home and on the field.
Coach Comesana credits his family’s unwavering support for his ability to serve young athletes for so many years. “Without them, this journey would’ve been impossible,” he says. “To all my players—thank you. The memories we built together are written in stone.”
Now a featured head coach for the inaugural GSF Senior All-Star Soccer Championship Game, Luis Comesana brings a legacy of integrity, wisdom, and love for the game. His influence spans generations, and his mission remains clear: to shape better athletes and even better people.
